Beautiful, working, 1940’s Emerson catalin radio. This is a model 520 and dates to the 1947 model year. This set has a catalin case, which some collectors of period jewelry and dinnerware call bakelite. While both catalin and bakelite are both phenolic cast resins, radio collectors call the semi-translucent bakelite shown here- catalin, which was the name given by the Catalin Corporation of America- who was the likely manufacturer of this case for Emerson Radio. The material is semi-transluscent, and therefore gives the swirl that you see, a three dimensional look to it, because you can (to an extent) see into the material. Catalin is unlike the more common bakelites that have fillers that yield the material opaque and thereby have only a very topical swirl. This model was available in several versions, a black swirled, green swirled, and a brown swirled catalin- shown here. They also made a version in wood. Amongst the brown swirl catalins, this unit was made later in the production year, having the large numeral blue dial and polystyrene back. The design of the set, which is distinctly geometric and post-war modern, is attributed to the renowned industrial designer, Raymond Loewy, who consulted for Emerson in the late forties. Excellent luster, with vibrant swirls of every shade of brown that autumn is known for. No chips or cracks in the cabinet, photo shows reflections of the backdrop blanket, me, and my camera, there is no marring. Impeccibly clean, inside and out, it will pass the white glove test- a final detail cleaning is accomplished with Q-tips. Unit has the original ivory plaskon grille, grille cloth, ivory knobs, and polystyrene back. Because catalin suffers from shrinkage over time, the backs on these sets are very infrequently found without cracks, as the body of the radio shrinks somewhat and the back does not- causing cormers to chip out and cracks to develop in the middle. This back is excellent and without cracks or chips- the photo shows the reflection of the unfurled power cord. . The original clear, celluloid dial cover had shrunk and withered- and has been replaced with an exact thickness, thermal formed bubble, exact reproduction of the original- and not a simple flat piece of clear lexan. The set plays loudly, clearly with good tone, no hum. Has good, safe, power cord and working dial light. The radio measures 11 inches long, 9 high, 7 deep. As with all my radios, the luster and sheen on the catalin is natural, exhibiting the original characteristics of the catalin when newly made….no coatings (permanent or temporary), sprays, or oils are used to glam it up. That is more than just a purity pledge- it means that the catalin is just that, pure catalin and there are no oils or wax that will give a false and short lasting appearance that ends when my photoshoot wraps up. All radios sold have had preventative electrical maintainence, so that they perform as well in the foreseeable future…as they do when you first get them- so you can play them as much or as little as you wish. I stand behind the components I’ve repaired, parts and labor- for 90 days. After that- free labor for 6 months. Why would you bother with someone who says they’ve “restored” the radio and then tell you you are buying “as is”. The insides of my radios are given the same attention as the outsides.
At the start of this posting, I also have a Beautiful, working, prewar Zenith bakelite set that is worth giving your consideration to, see item #220992876867 (put this number into the search and it will bring you there). It ends on April 12th.
Celebrating fourteen years on website- selling beautiful, working radios on website, since 1998.
is $24 within the continental US. Elsewhere- exact postage only, no packing fee.
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